My new orchids

[CJ Green]

This weekend the Amherst Orchid Society (in Massachusetts) had their annual spring show. There were some gorgeous displays, including the largest paphiopedilum blooms I've ever seen--the size of the palm of my hand. Seeing what people can achieve with their plants is so inspirational! I researched the vendors ahead of time so I would know which plants are compatible with the conditions I can provide, and came away with two plants I had planned on and one extra that I couldn't resist. The two I had decided on were a Maxillaria tenuifolia and an Encyclia (or Prosthechea) radiata. But I also saw some nice looking Jackfowleiara appleblossoms, which have been on my wish list for a long time. The one I bought has two spikes with some nice buds. I'm really looking forward to getting these all to bloom! Any tips from those of you who have these plants would be most welcome, but really I just wanted to show and tell!

[Mountaineer370]

I don't have any of those, so I'm no help with that, but I just wanted to say congratulations on the new orchids. They all look like healthy, vibrant plants, and I'm looking forward to pics when they bloom.

[SaraJean]

Oh I just love fragrance of the Prosthechea/Encyclia/Anacheilium (what ever the heck it’s called now..) radiata! The others are nice too, of course, but that delicate perfumy, floral and sweet scent of the radiata wins out for me

[CJ Green]

Thank you! I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

---------- Post added at 04:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------

I can't wait to smell the radiata when it blooms, but it's a tiny plant so it may be awhile.

[Optimist]

I have 3 of the Jackfowleriis (each different colors). It seems to me that they take more water than the cattleyas they are related to. They are fragrant, but not so overwhelmingly, and their flowers last a nice long time. I have 2 putting out spikes right now. The flowers are smaller than cattleyas. Beware; they are a bit wild, they shoot out in all directions. I pot in either bark or semi-hydroponics (they do well in semi-hydroponics with lecca), and then put it in a hanging basket so they can flood over. Since you have a seedling size, you don't need to worry about this yet.

[CJ Green]

Thanks for the tip! I really love their flowers; glad to hear they're long-lasting.

[Leafmite]

Congratulations on your new orchids!

[camille1585]

Congrats on the new orchids! Buying new orchids is always fun, and i do admire that you only came home with 3. I have a hard time controlling myself at shows...

Be prepared to see your Max tenuifolia turn into a monster. Mine is now in a 6 or 7in pot, and the plant is at least 3 times wider than that. They like rather bright light and lots of water especially in the summer. avoid a medium that stays wet for too long, because although they love water, they like to dry out somewhat quickly after watering.

[CJ Green]

That's good to know about the Max tenuifolia. It's so cute and tiny now! For me, 3 plants is a lot because my space is so limited. I spent a lot of time this winter shuffling plants around to try to keep them warm and give them enough light. But yes, I was super-tempted to buy several others that have been on my most-wanted list for a long time! I'm going to need to invest in shelving and lights pretty soon...

[Maryanne]

Hello CJ -
Thanks so much for coming to our Amherst Orchid Society show! I'm glad you found some plants that you are enthusiastic about, too. I hope you had a great time on a cold, rainy day.

Our society works hard for months making the arrangements for renting the space, getting supplies, and lining up vendors. It takes 2 days to set up all that "stuff," (black backdrops, tables, sawhorses, plywood, trellis, terrarium) and it breaks down in one hour flat. Back into the cars and trucks and into storage. I'm exhausted...

I hope to meet you at some other show. Happy growing,
Maryanne in Massachusetts